It was with a heavy heart that I learned of Wings Hauser‘s passing earlier this week. Often dismissed as a C-list action star due to his extensive filmography of direct-to-video movies from the 1980s and 1990s, the truth is that Hauser possessed immense talent. When he truly committed to a role, he could deliver unforgettable performances. This was evident when Michael Mann cast him as a sleazy lawyer representing big tobacco in The Insider. In one memorable ninety-second scene, Hauser and Bruce McGill almost steal the spotlight from the film’s stars, Al Pacino and Russell Crowe, who, while exceptional, were not the only highlights of this gripping narrative.
The versatility of Wings Hauser was remarkable, as he shone in various roles when given the right opportunity. One standout performance I recall was his portrayal of a conniving bounty hunter who’s hired by Luke Perry’s character, Dylan, in an unusually action-oriented episode of Beverly Hills 90210. Additionally, Hauser’s over-the-top performance in Norman Mailer’s Tough Guys Don’t Dance showcased his ability to hit the right notes in an otherwise flawed film. Although the movie is notorious for Ryan O’Neal‘s infamous “oh God, oh Man” scene, Hauser’s performance stands out, leading many to speculate that a successful reception could have propelled him into a more prominent career as a character actor.
Despite his undeniable talent, Wings Hauser faced personal challenges, particularly with substance abuse issues, which his son Cole Hauser admitted strained their relationship at times. To witness Hauser’s struggle, one can look at his performance in the low-budget vanity project Road to Revenge (also known as Geteven). In one particularly chaotic scene, it’s hard to tell whether he was genuinely intoxicated or delivering an Oscar-worthy performance in a movie that many would consider among the worst ever made.
Fortunately, Wings Hauser managed to regain his footing, landing roles in The Insider and other notable projects, including a memorable part in the cult classic Rubber. A documentary chronicling his life is also currently in development. However, none of his performances can quite compare to his chilling portrayal of Ramrod, the murderous pimp in the 1982 film Vice Squad. This film was notably praised by Martin Scorsese, who deemed it the best film of 1982, with his endorsement appearing on some VHS editions of the movie.
Directed by Gary Sherman, who also helmed the horror film Dead and Buried the previous year, Vice Squad presents a gritty thriller filmed on location in the notorious Skid Row of Los Angeles, a place even more perilous during that era. Season Hubley stars as Princess, a suburban mother who leads a double life as a streetwalker. She is one of the few women in the movie who operates “outlaw,” meaning she doesn’t rely on a pimp for her survival. Hauser’s character, Ramrod, is not just a pimp but a violent psychopath who brutally murders a former employee with a twisted wire hanger he grotesquely refers to as his “pimp stick.” As Princess seeks revenge, she is persuaded by a well-meaning vice cop named Walsh, portrayed by the relatively unknown Gary Swanson, to lure Ramrod into a trap, but he escapes, which sets off a relentless hunt throughout the film.
Although Vice Squad didn’t achieve significant box office success outside of the grindhouse circuit, it garnered attention from influential figures, including Clint Eastwood, who famously borrowed the line “go ahead, make my day” from the film’s climax. Critics and audiences alike agreed on two key points: the film was visually striking, thanks to the cinematography by John Alcott, who previously worked on Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, and the film’s overall aesthetic was sharply directed by Sherman. His later work, including Wanted: Dead or Alive starring Rutger Hauer, also displayed a unique industrial look that was uncommon for films of that time.
The consensus among viewers was that Wings Hauser delivered an outstanding performance as Ramrod, even contributing to the film’s soundtrack with the theme song, Neon Slime. I distinctly remember Leonard Maltin, in an otherwise unfavorable review in his classic movie guide, acknowledging that Hauser’s portrayal made him one of the best villains on screen. This recognition should have paved the way for a more prominent role as a villain in his career; however, Hauser preferred to take on heroic roles, which led to fewer villainous characters in his subsequent filmography. Nevertheless, he became a familiar face in the direct-to-video action films of that period.
Vice Squad continues to maintain a dedicated fan base, including notable directors like Ti West, whose film MaXXXine pays homage to this gritty classic, along with the similarly themed Angel, which features a score repurposed in specific scenes from Vice Squad. If you’re unfamiliar with Wings Hauser and are curious about why this story has been trending, I highly recommend watching Vice Squad. It’s widely available on various streaming platforms, including TubiTV in the U.S. Trust me, it’s a thrilling ride that you won’t want to miss.
